Since 2011, Y.O.G.A. for Youth has teamed up with L.A. Care to provide Yoga classes for the local community. L.A. Care is the only community-based health plan of its kind. Its mission is not only to provide health care plans, but also maintain resource centers to which community members can go to learn about the options of high quality health care and health education they have available to them. This is where Y.O.G.A. for Youth comes in.
Lisa Diane Wedgeworth, a certified Y.O.G.A. for Youth teacher, graduate student, artist, teaches free Yoga classes at the L.A. Care Family Resource Center in Inglewood. The Center is located at 3111 West Century Boulevard on the corner of Century and Crenshaw. The class begins at 11 am on Saturdays and is open to all. Lisa says, “We come together once a week, and I can see how practicing Yoga together builds a real sense of community, increases our awareness, and builds stronger bodies. Also, the students tell me they feel more at peace.”
Whether a student has asthma, diabetes or has M.S., all are welcome to come in, become better acquainted with their bodies, and receive the benefits of yoga. Lisa relates the yoga postures and breathing techniques to everyday life. She plays all kinds of music from world to jazz, instrumental to lounge. It’s all music and teachings the community can relate to.
Lisa’s vision for the future of the community yoga class involves reaching out to the local schools. She would love to see a solid line of communication develop between the schools, Y.O.G.A. for Youth, and the L.A. Care resource center. The more people who know about these programs, the more they can take advantage of them. Lisa also believes that future attention and programming can focus on mental health. She notices that we often focus more on the physical body but that the mind deserves our serious, compassionate attention as well.
People who want to serve can simply start with any action. Lisa says, “Action is my mantra.” She observes that people may spend lots of time thinking over solutions and talking at meetings. Sure, that helps; but, action is most essential. “If we see a need, take action. Just start.”
For more information about these free classes and more, please contact: 310-330-3130.